Some rules for taking medications

Almost all of us take some form of medication in our lifetime. The range of medicines is significant and constantly expanding. Medications require special attention when using them. Many medicines should only be used on the advice of a doctor who will give you advice on how to use them. But there are general rules for taking medications, we list some of them.

If drugs are prescribed to be taken several times a day, then the interval between doses should be calculated based on 24 hours:

– if the medicine needs to be taken 2 times a day, then the interval between doses will be 12 hours (for example, at 8 am and 8 pm),

– if 3 times – then 8 hours (for example, at 7 am, 3 pm and 11 pm),

– if 4 times – the interval will be 6 hours (for example, 6 am, 12 noon, 18 pm and 24 am).

– if the medication is prescribed once a day, then you need to take the drug every day at the same time.

The range of drugs is diverse and in some cases it is possible to use the same drug 1, 2 or 3 times a day, but it is important to observe the daily dosage. Therefore, at the appointment with the doctor, tell him how it is more convenient for you and / or your child to take the medicine: 1, 2 or 3 times a day.

Any medicine must be taken correctly: on an empty stomach, before, after or during meals, as indicated in the instructions.

Taking with a meal means taking the medicine at the time of the meal.

on an empty stomach – this is about half an hour before breakfast,

before meals – this is at least 30 – 40 minutes before meals,

after eating – this is 1.5 – 2 hours after eating.

If you treat your throat with aerosols / rinses and / or absorbable tablets, then within 1-2 hours after the procedure (or as indicated in the instructions), it is advisable not to drink or eat.

Most drugs should be washed down with clean non-carbonated water in a volume of at least 100 ml, that is, half a glass. In some cases, the volume of water can be at least 200-250 ml (glass).

You can not drink tablets / capsules with tea, coffee, Coca-Cola, Pepsi-Cola, sweet juices, soda, alcoholic beverages.

If the instructions do not indicate when to take the drug and how to drink it, then it means that the reception is allowed at any time, but it would be more correct to do this with water at room temperature.

If the tablet needs to be sucked, then it cannot be chewed, if it is indicated that it is necessary to chew, then the tablet should not be swallowed. Most often, you can not share a coated tablet and a dragee, because. the shell protects the drug from the action of the acidic environment of the stomach and/or protects the stomach from the action of the drug. If the tablet does not have a dividing strip, then most likely it cannot be broken.

It is undesirable to take several different pills at once. If necessary, then drink medicines with a break of 30 minutes to 1 hour.

When taking enterosorbents (for example, activated charcoal) and any other tablets, the interval between taking them should be at least 2 hours.
It is necessary to carry out a full course of treatment. Often people, having felt improvement, stop taking the drug. This is not true. But if you have any undesirable (side) effect, then you need to consult with your doctor about the possibility of further use of it.

Particular attention should be paid to taking medications for children, pregnant and lactating women, people over 65, drivers, athletes.

For children, a wide range is now available with children’s dosage forms and dosages.

Recall that it is necessary to strictly observe the rules for storing medicines (for example, in a cool place – up to 18 degrees, in the refrigerator – from 2 to 8 degrees, some medicines cannot be frozen, many medicines require storage in a dark, dry place) and expiration dates. Storage conditions and expiration date are indicated on the packaging of the medicinal product.

Before taking the drug (and preferably before purchasing it), you must carefully study the instructions that come with it.